A WOMAN and a toddler had a lucky escape when the car they were travelling in went up in flames.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang and saw the pair get out of a blue Peugeot Rapier as the front of the vehicle caught fire.

The blaze happened at around 1.10pm today in Kent House Road, Beckenham.

It is believed the car went over a piece of plastic and cardboard rubbish, which combusted with the heat of the engine.

The road was closed off for approximately 20 minutes.

One fire engine from Forest Hill was called to the scene.

Crew manager Abraham Assefa said he'd never come across an incident like it in his 11 years in the job.

He said: "The lady was driving along quite peacefully when all of a sudden she saw smoke billowing out of the front. She got out and by the time we arrived the front of the car was engulfed in flames."

The car was said to be "completely wrecked" as a result.